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Express Love Unites Is Here

Express Love Unites Is Here

You’ve got to start somewhere.

That’s what members of the LGBTQ+ community thought nearly fifty years ago, when they claimed the last Saturday of June as a time for protest and celebration. Every June since, this annual memoriam has become known as Pride, and is observed globally–with parades, rallies, and demonstrations. It’s a chance to live fearlessly, to make connections, and to honor independence. It’s a chance to feel happy and proud. It’s a chance to feel free.

In tribute to more than five decades of Pride, Express and non-profit partner GLAAD present Love Unites, a celebratory collection of 35 all-gender pieces honoring unity, acceptance, and individuality. Each item is designed to be mixed and matched in the ultimate presentation of self-expression. Classic staples like hoodies, tank tops, dresses, and tees are reimagined with the iconic rainbow, which shows up with tie dye details, piping, edging and embossing.

But it’s not just about the clothes. It’s also about the stories of the people wearing them, none of which are alike, all of which are valuable touchstones on the journey to empowerment and acceptance. To tell these stories with authenticity, Express called on the staff of Out Magazine to bring Love Unites to life with their personal narratives of perseverance and togetherness. ““Pride rallies the community together. It reminds us of how far we’ve come, and how far have to go,” says Phil Picardi, Out’s editor in chief. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing these uplifting and unique stories with you.

Love Unites is about pride. It’s about unity. And it’s about doing the right thing, because when one of us is lifted up, all of us are lifted up. And that’s why for this very special project, we’ve collaborated with GLAAD, a non-profit partner dedicated to accelerating acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community. Since its founding in 1985, GLAAD has been at the forefront of cultural changes for the LGBTQ+ community— on the big screen, in newspapers, on TV, and in Washington. In 2015, GLAAD led the national dialogue for LGBTQ+ acceptance following the Supreme Court’s historic marriage equality ruling, and since then has continued to serve as the voice for LGBTQ+ and marginalized communities.

“Express Love Unites showcases the talented editors of Out Magazine and the communities they represent, and GLAAD is proud to be a partner alongside them,” says Zeke Stokes, the chief programs officer for GLAAD. “The visibility that this collection will help accelerate acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community and enable people of all genders to dress with Pride.”

For every Love Unites item purchased by July 15, Express will donate 25% of the net income to GLAAD to accelerate acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community.